INCIDENCE OF HEPATITIS B AND C INFECTIONS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Infections due to Hepatitis B and C viruses are significant health problems around the globe, Nigeria inclusive. This study was conducted among 200 pregnant women receiving ante-natal care in Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria to
determine the sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and to determine whether liver aminotransferases can be affected. The blood samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Anti-HCV using
HBsAg and Anti-HCV one step rapid test strip and furthermore using ELISA technique. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were also estimated in all the subjects using  Reitman-Frankel method. The results showed that 14% and 3% of the 200 blood samples tested positive for HBV and HCV respectively. The mean AST levels for HBsAg negative and positive subjects were 8.64±2.56 and 10.10±1.33 respectively while the mean ALT levels were 3.21±2.72 and 8.45±4.08 respectively. The mean AST for anti-HCV negative and positive subjects were 10.67±2.38 and 9.00±0.00 respectively while the ALT were 5.71±2.09 and 4.00±0.00 respectively. There was significant increase in the levels of ALT between the HBsAg positive and negative
pregnant subjects (P<0.05). HBV and HCV infection can be present in pregnant women and can alter liver aminotransferases. Therefore testing for HBsAg and Anti- HCV is recommended for all pregnant women at first prenatal and postnatal visit so that HBsAg and HCV positive mothers will receive prompt intervention.